Lavenders come in a surprising array of colours, forms and fragrances. Their hardiness varies according to their type, from full hardy angustifolias and frost hardy stoechas. All Lavenders originate from warm, dry, Meditteranean type climates. They demand full sun and moderately fertile, well drained soil. Well accustomed to drought, they can serve the gardener well in times of water shortage.
Lavenders can be grown as low flowering hedges or planted in beds and borders.
Angustifolias known as English Lavenders are famous for their heavy, sweet fragrance. Lavandula angustifolia ‘Hidcote’sports elegant, lance shaped flower spikes with whorls of flowers encircling the stem. It flowers throughout Summer in shades of deep purple. Like most angustifolias, ‘Hidcote’ is fully hardy with a compact round habit up to 50cm high.
Lavandula angustifolia ‘Hidcote’
For a brighter, bolder flower, try distinctive ‘Beechwood Blue’ or ‘Munstead’.
Another classic is Lavandula stoechas or Spanish Lavender. Lower growing than all other species of Lavender. It has fine greyish, green leaves. ‘Kew Red’ is a stunning variety with dark pink and white flowers, which grows very well in pots.
Lastly, there is Lavandula dentata or French Lavender. I dont find this species as attractive as the angustifolias, as it tends to splay along the ground rather than keeping a nice compact shape. This species is rarely without flowers though. If you do like this particular species then ‘Monet’ is a nice compact dwarf variety.
‘Ploughmans Blue’ is a smaller growing plant of bushy to spreading habit with semi-open, grey green foliage. Leaves are darker green and broader than many other cultivars.
TIPS
1. All Lavenders demand a sunny site- Plant in well drained, neutral to alkaline soil. Intermedia and stoechas types can stand a slightly acid soil.
2. Space according to size and planting style but, generally, group informal planting in threes, 45-90cm apart and space lavenders for hedging at 60cm using all one variety for greatest impact.
3. Give them one hard prune- immediately after flowering. Don’t prune back to the old wood, but enough to keep a nice shape.
Lavandula stoechas
Lavandula angustifolia ‘Munstead’
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